Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that Daniel Sturridge helped his team "a lot" as his side ran out 1-0 winners against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
After being introduced as a second-half substitute, Sturridge's shot in added-on time struck the post before Sadio Mane was able to net the rebound to give the Reds a precious victory at Goodison Park.
Sturridge had been making his first appearance since November 19, and Klopp has admitted that he was impressed with the England international's performance given his lack of fitness.
The 49-year-old told reporters: "It's like this, you have Daniel Sturridge on the bench you always think 'OK, when is the time, when can we bring him? Is he ready for this? Because it's not usual or normal that after two sessions a player can really help you, but he helped us a lot tonight in a very difficult game.
"He could make kind of the difference in this moment. It was like in the first half we said 'OK, now we are warm,' because it was not too intense for us and they had a lot to do. so they are halfway tired and so when Danny comes in after 70 minutes, it was a real intense game and so then to bring in real fresh legs then, that's a good thing to do."
Liverpool's triumph has moved them to within six points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Darren Plant
